Perceived Family Functioning and Social Adaptation Levels in Patients with Depression

Depression is not only an individual disorder but also a condition associated with family systems. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between perceived family functioning and social adaptation in adults diagnosed with depression. The sample consisted of 123 patients attending a state hospital psychiatric outpatient clinic. Data were collected using the Perceived Family Functioning Scale (PFFS) and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The mean PFFS and SASS scores were 104.59 ± 16.98 and 37.80 ± 8.49, respectively. A statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between perceived family functioning and social adaptation (r = 0.366, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, the intra-familial communication and positive affect subscales were significantly associated with social adaptation, explaining 17.1% of the variance in the unadjusted model and 16.1% after controlling for age, gender, employment status, and illness duration in months. Other subscales were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that higher levels of intra-familial communication and positive affect are associated with better social adaptation in young adults with depression. Psychiatric nurses may consider the potential role of family functioning when assessing patients.